|
What can you expect from migraine treatment? That depends on the type of migraine you have. It also depends on the medicines you take.
Your healthcare provider may suggest medicines to stop the headache (called acute treatment), or medicines to reduce the number of attacks you have (called preventive medicines).
Keep a record with details on each headache. This can help your healthcare provider judge how well your medicine is working. The 1on1health® Migraine Action Plan (PDF Format) has a headache diary you can use.
Take your acute treatment medicine at the first sign of migraine pain. If it isn’t helping after a few tries, check with your healthcare provider. He or she may change the dose or try another medicine. If you notice side effects, or have questions about your treatment, call your healthcare provider right away.
For daily (preventive) medicines, take doses at the same time every day, so that you don’t forget. If you do forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. To help you remember, keep a calendar of your medicines. Write down when you take each dose.
Discuss treatments with your healthcare provider
Tell your healthcare provider what you feel during your migraines. This will help him or her to find the right treatment. When talking to your healthcare provider, think about these points:
- Say clearly why you’re there. For example: “Migraines affect my life and my treatment isn’t giving me complete relief.”
- Describe your symptoms. For example: “What I’m taking now doesn’t help my nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. It can make me drowsy, too.”
- Share how migraines disrupt your life. For example: “I’m taking several pills and I still can’t do my daily activities.”
- Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines, herbs, supplements, or other treatments you take. Ask about the drug’s side effects and any food or drug interactions.
- Follow all label instructions on dosage and storage. Talk with your healthcare provider whenever you have any questions.
- Don’t change your dose or stop a medicine without checking with your healthcare provider.
- Tell him or her if you think your medicine no longer works well.
Also of Interest
|
